Newcastle United Steve Bruce admits third-choice goalkeeper Rob Elliot finds himself in an "awkward situation" at the club.
Elliot joined the Magpies in 2011 but fell out of favour under former boss Rafa Benitez, and spent time earlier in the year training with the under-23s.
Bruce recalled the Republic of Ireland international to the senior set-up, and he was included in the matchday squad at Burnley last time out due to an injury to Karl Darlow.
Elliot's contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and the 33-year-old is keen to extend his deal and fight for his place.
Speaking ahead of United's clash with Crystal Palace at St James' Park on Saturday, Bruce admits the goalkeeper finds himself in a difficult place at the club but insists the shot-stopper continues to perform well in training.
Bruce said: "He's training every day. He's in that awkward situation where he finds himself third choice.
"But you've got to have three goalkeepers. Karl Darlow woke up last Thursday or Friday with a bad back and couldn't travel.
"He (Elliot) might need a game with the under-23s. Certainly the way he's performed out there - he's trained every day - no problem.
"He's a good goalkeeper. You can see that."
